RUSSIAN MLRS: ENHANCED RANGE, ACCURACY AND EFFECTIVENESS

Stanislav Koval, Special Correspondent
 

The Grad modernization has made it possible to considerably raise the level of weapon functioning automa- tion and increase its firing range (up to 40 km), accuracy (despite a twofold increase in firing range, it remained similar to that of the previous shorter-range version), and kill capacity.

Long-range Grad MLRS

On October 15, 1998, under the initiative of Ros-voorouzhenie and Splav, the demonstration firings of the new (longer-range) Grad MLRS were conducted for military attaches from over 30 countries of Europe, Middle East and South East Asia at an Army rocket firing range near Orenburg. Splav, together with the Kovrov-based Signal Research Institute and the Motovilikha Plants Corporation, presented the modernized BM-21 launcher vehicle and its new long-range rocket projectiles with a firing range of up to 40 km. Also, enhanced capabilities of the Smerch MLRS were demonstrated. In terms of its maximum firing range (90 km), Smerch outclasses all other multiple launch rocket systems in the world.

Military attaches could see the new Grad’s exclusive combat capabilities with their own eyes: specified targets were completely destroyed. It should be pointed out that currently several countries produce the Grad MLRS under license and some of them claim that they have increased its range up to 40 km. However, only Russia has demonstrated this capability on the firing range.

The Grad modernization has made it possible to considerably raise the level of weapon functioning automa- tion and increase its firing range (up to 40 km), accuracy (despite a twofold increase in firing range, it remained similar to that of the previous shorter-range version), and kill capacity.

Modernization of the Grad MLRS includes:

1. Modern warfare requires cutting the time of target designation data preparation, transmission and reception, as well as launcher aiming and firing. These requirements were successfully met by introduction of the Kapustnik-B battery-level fire control post equipped with the Baget-41 high-speed computer, requisite number of radio sets, navigation system and weather reconnaissance complex. Automated data exchange between the post and the launcher vehicle which has also undergone in-depth modernization, makes it possible to reduce time between target detection and opening of fire to one minute.

The launcher vehicle is additionally equipped with a note-book computer, navigation and communications systems to provide for:

— launch tube cluster laying by the crew from the vehicle’s cabin; reducing the crew to two men. The crew commander can receive target designation data on the march;

— launch tube cluster laying without use of aiming points;

— autonomous initial orientation (determination of the launcher vehicle current azimuth and coordinates on the move and at a halt);

— displaying graphical information about launch tube laying and vehicle route (position, destination and direction);

— reduction of time between target designation data reception and opening of fire by the MLRS battery (at deployed positions: from 25 - 35 to six min; at emplaced positions: from ten to one min);

— survivability enhancement by reducing the on-firing-position time;

Long-range Smerch MLRS

— better autonomy provided by navigation and positioning systems ensures independent travel to the firing position or rendezvous point;

— more operator’s comfort, especially in bad weather and at night.

2. A considerable increase in firing range (from 20 to 40 km) was achieved by rocket engine modification (a new composite propellant was introduced and rocket engine body weight was reduced from 20 to 9 kg) and improvement of the rocket aerodynamic efficiency.

3. Despite a twofold increase in firing range, the accuracy of the new rocket projectile remained similar to that of the 20-km range rockets currently in service. This was achieved by the modification of rocket design, better centering and use of principally new tail fins.

4. The higher kill capacity was provided by new and modified warheads. For example, the capacity of HE fragmentation warheads was increased and two types of fragments were used in them to widen the range of targets to be destroyed. Recently developed separable warheads have increased the fragmentation kill capacity more than six times. Work is nearing completion on a warhead with armored target homing submunitions and a cluster warhead with 45 sub-munitions.

In its inventory, the Grad MLRS has rockets designed to lay antitank and antipersonnel minefields, set ECM, generate smoke screens and illuminate a battlefield at night.

Currently, over 3,000 Grads are operational worldwide. Splav, jointly with its related enterprises, offers potential customers several versions for Grad modernization:

1. Full-scale system modernization involving the supply of Kapustnik-B fire control post (which can be installed on any chassis by customer request) and updating the BM-21 launcher vehicle (two working shifts are required).

2. The supply of new types of rocket projectiles for the existing BM-21 MLR systems. Other options are also available.

On the whole, we can assert that the modernized Grad MLRS is a powerful weapon system of the 21st century.